San Francisco City Hall is exquisite, so it’s no wonder that couples come from all over the world to tie the knot in this historic landmark. Shizuka and Matthew’s early morning elopement was an honor to capture in a space filled with light and elegance. If you’re considering getting married in a courthouse, San Francisco City Hall is one of the most beautiful courthouses in the country. It’s a place I love returning to time and time again to capture couples’ love stories.
San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco’s famed City Hall is a destination couples flock to every year for elopements and both small and large weddings. City Hall is known for its beautiful architecture and grand staircase. If you’re looking to host a private wedding, City Hall does allow for Saturday rentals.
Tips for Getting Married at City Hall
City Hall is only open for public weddings Monday through Friday, and while any day might be busy, the end of the week tends to be the busiest. If you have flexibility with your schedule, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the best option.
The grand staircase is a coveted spot for photos, so I recommend arriving at 8 am when City Hall opens to ensure that we get beautiful photos on the staircase. If early morning isn’t an option for you then later in the afternoon is the next best option.
Be sure to plan and leave yourself plenty of time in case we must wait to take photos at certain spots. I offer several elopement packages ranging from 90 minutes up to 4 hours and I’m happy to share with you my thoughts on what might work best for your needs.
Types of Ceremonies at City Hall
City Hall offers three options for getting married. Civil ceremonies are limited to 6 guests and take place in the rotunda at the top of the stairs. These ceremonies typically last 5 minutes. If you’re planning on having more guests, a balcony rental might be a better option for you. The Fourth Floor Gallery allows up to 60 guests and the Mayor’s Balcony allows up to 40 guests. From a photographer’s perspective, I always recommend the fourth-floor balcony because it has the best light.
Advice from a City Hall Bride
“We did our pictures (couple and family photos) before our ceremony, and we were able to get in plenty of great shots. Also, consider daylight saving time. If you’re getting married after daylight savings ends, then be sure you have enough time for golden hour.”
San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography
Getting married at San Francisco City Hall? I’d love to photograph your wedding or elopement in this historical building. See more weddings from City Hall on my San Francisco City Hall wedding photography page. Ready to chat? Get in touch for availability and pricing.
